9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Scenic Beauty
The Northern Circuit Route offers breathtaking views, starting from lush rainforests and traversing through diverse landscapes including moorlands, alpine deserts, and the stunning Shira Plateau
High Success Rate
With a gradual ascent and ample time for acclimatization, this route provides one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro
Wildlife Encounters
Early days on the trail may include sightings of large wildlife such as antelope, buffalo, and even giraffe, adding an exciting element to the trek.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
– Starting Altitude: 2,100 meters (6,890 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 2,780 meters (9,120 feet)
– Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
– Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.
The trek begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, followed by a hike through the lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
– Starting Altitude: 2,780 meters (9,120 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 3,610 meters (11,850 feet)
– Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
– Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.
The trail continues through the forest and then transitions to the moorland zone, offering expansive views as you approach Shira Ridge and Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
– Starting Altitude: 3,610 meters (11,850 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 3,850 meters (12,630 feet)
– Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
– Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.
A relatively short day with a gentle ascent across the Shira Plateau, providing stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
– Starting Altitude: 3,850 meters (12,630 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
– Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
– Trekking Time: 5-7 hours.
The trail heads east towards Lava Tower before turning north to Moir Hut, offering a good acclimatization opportunity.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
– Starting Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 4,020 meters (13,190 feet)
– Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
– Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
A day of ups and downs as you trek around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with a detour to the summit of Lent Hills for acclimatization.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
– Starting Altitude: 4,020 meters (13,190 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 3,870 meters (12,700 feet)
– Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
– Trekking Time: 4-5 hours.
The trail continues eastwards through alpine desert terrain to Third Cave, providing more acclimatization time.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
– Starting Altitude: 3,870 meters (12,700 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 4,800 meters (15,750 feet)
– Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
– Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
A steep ascent to School Hut, the final camp before the summit push, offering spectacular views of the summit.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
– Starting Altitude: 4,800 meters (15,750 feet)
– Summit Altitude: 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
– Ending Altitude: 3,100 meters (10,170 feet)
– Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
– Trekking Time: 10-14 hours.
The summit day begins around midnight with a challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp for rest.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
-Starting Altitude: 3,100 meters (10,170 feet)
-Ending Altitude: 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
-Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
-Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates
This detailed itinerary ensures you have ample time for acclimatization, increasing your chances of a successful and enjoyable summit.
- National park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Guides, cook & porter’s salaries
- Food; drinking water
- Camping equipment
- Accommodation
- Transport to/from park entry gate.
- Hiring of clothing, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, walking poles etc.
- Tipping to your mountain crew. The standard recommendation for this is USD$30-40 per day to the chief guide, $25-30 per day per assistant guide, $20-25 per day to the cook, $15-20 per day per helping porter (such as the toilet cleaner or
